One of the under-developed themes of my blog is the issue of modesty. Pre-conversion I can say that I dressed pretty floozy like, and had no problems “dressing for attention”. Since my conversion, marriage, and birth; I’ve reigned my dressing in to something considerably more modest than how I was dressing.
Colleen Hammond’s book has popped up on several websites dealing with modesty, sometimes good and sometimes bad. I’ve come across her book mentioned while studying about modesty, but never had an opportunity until now to read it.
I’ll admit it – I really like this book. Her writing style is rough around the edges – I think she could do a much better job of making different themes flow together and be more cohesive than she has them in her book. It’s not that she skips around or anything, but I see Mrs. Hammond as having a lot of information to tell and she just can’t wait to get it all out. So, she states an idea, expands for a couple pages, then goes onto a similar idea. She, in essence, is doing what my professors called a “data dump”. I’m reminded of my Earth Science Writing professor who was so frustrated with me for the semester because I basically did a data dump while writing about gas hydrates. Mrs. Hammond also drops her citations tremendously in Chapters 3 and 4 – which is unfortunate, as that’s dealing with the history of fashion and the Church’s response to the changing fashions. The citations are there, but not as often as in the first two chapters. Something that was drilled into my head in University was always over-cite, never under-cite. It’s hard keeping the momentum up and looking up material, but it really shows you’re doing your research and adds to your credibility.
While I don’t fall into the “women wearing pants is forbidden” camp, I do fall into the “gee, I like to look like a woman so I wear skirts every day” camp. In addition to the history of fashion and the Church’s response to various challenges to modesty; the book also mentions another aspect of femininity – behavior. It doesn’t make sense to wear skirts and dresses if you walk like a moose. I know, because I do walk like a moose. She includes a suggested modest checklist, discussing various ways you can have wardrobe malfunctions and how to combat them.
I think Mrs. Hammond should stay on top of the modesty challenges of today, the Church’s response to them (be it through the Saints, Popes, documents, etc) and release newer editions of her book as time marches forward. It took me 1 day – with Elise – to read this book, so it’s not like it’s laden down with Big Heavy Theology. This book will most likely fall into the “will read again” pile that I have going (and growing).
This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Dressing With Dignity.
Prayers indeed for the 3rd edition! My husband and I have been looking for cute little sundresses for our almost 11 month old. Everything here has spaghetti straps, which we don’t feel is appropriate for her (not to mention she has small shoulders, so things would just s l i d e off). Plus, we want her to dress modestly from the start, rather than try and enforce it when she’s a teenager.
I don’t even want to think of the 7-14 section. ::shudder::
I really hope there are pictures in the 3rd edition. Or even illustrations, at the very least. Maybe it’s beyond the scope of _Dressing With Dignity_ but I wouldn’t mind seeing (somewhere) something on modest pregnancy and nursing. I had a bear of a time finding shirts that covered (all) my belly and my bust. My husband remarked, after looking at all the maternity clothes I had received via hand-me-down, that apparently someone thought pregnant women should be showing as much as possible! :X Even now, I can’t wear nursing shirts because I can’t find one small enough and thus would have the openings in the right spots. :\
Most of us are “visuals” and pictures really help. I fought for pics to be included in the recent edition of _Dressing with Dignity_ and lost (it does cost a lot more to include pics)…but I think I’ve won for the Third Edition!
No ‘date’ yet…but with *Dr. Laura* promoting the book next week on her radio program (insert shrill scream here!!!) I’m sure ‘demand’ will increase.
Oh, Lerin…LITTLE GIRLS! Walking through Wal Mart yesterday, all I saw was hooker-chic in the 7-14 section. Makes me ill….corrupt them young and they won’t know anything else when they hit their teen years.
Your prayers (and insight!) are appreciated as we work on the Third Edition.
Wow, and she visited you! Thanks Colleen for the book that is really helping me change my perspective on how I dress, and what clothes we choose for our little girls, too.
Hi Colleen, thanks for adding me on Facebook (and posting a link back here, yay!).
Hearing about the third edition really makes me giddy. Especially with pictures – I don’t do well picturing things in my head. I tend to learn by actually seeing stuff.
I have been using the Modest Checklist a lot – particularly with button-up shirts. When I was a pant-wearer, I always had to sit down to do the “plumber’s crack test”. It that showed, too small/low rise/gross!
Do you have a date for the third edition? I wouldn’t mind reviewing that when it comes out.
You can *find* sundresses where you are? I am totally jealous!
Thanks, Kim, for taking time to do a review after you read the book! We’re working on a THIRD Edition which will include pictures this time, Deo gratias!
Lerin, I’m happy you’re enjoying the book, too. It was a great ‘excuse’ for me to trash most of my wardrobe and go shopping.
God bless!
Colleen Hammond
I’m actually half-way though the book and so far, your review is spot-on.
So far, it has led to some great conversations between Adam and I. I’ve learned a lot. When I went clothes-shopping post-baby yesterday, I actually bought nothing but sundresses and I am really happy about that! 
You’re welcome Kelly! I’m sure you will enjoy it!
Sounds interesting, thanks for sharing! I’m always looking for new books to add to my wishlist.
Thanks for reading!
very interesting! thanks for the review!!
xxx